Mary Barra and Meg Whiteman show greatness

Feb 19, 2015Nii Ashalley

Mary Bara and Margaret Cushing Whiteman represent the many faces of successful women in today’s business world.

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Mary Barra and Margaret Cushing Whiteman represent the many faces of successful women in today’s business world. Their achievements are unique, and their will to excel continue to give them corporate leadership success.

Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors

Interestingly, Mary Barra started her lifework with General Motors (GM) while in training. In 1980, when she started working with the company, she was a GM co-op student at the Pontiac Motor Division. She climbed the corporate ladder with excellence.

Before being named the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of General Motors, Marry Barra was the Executive Vice President of the Global Product Development and also Purchasing and Supply Chain since August 2013. She was also the Senior Vice President at the Global Product Development since February 2011. She honored both offices by fully executing program management, engineering, quality, and GM vehicle design worldwide amidst the rise of Tesla Motors.

Though your achievements may receive less recognition, nothing should stop your drive to excel

Mary Barra also served in several key positions in the company. She was the Executive Director of Competitive Operations Engineering and Vice President Of Global Manufacturing Engineering. On January 15, 2014, General Motors named Mary Barra as CEO. With her keen foresight and innovative strengths, GM is moving ahead to becoming a global leader in automotive design and innovative technology.

Born on December 24, 1961, Mary Barra graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering in 1985. She received induction into the prestigious GM fellowship in 1988. She also holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Margaret Cushing Whiteman, CEO of Hewlett-Packard

In September 2011, Margaret Cushing Whiteman assumed the position of Hewlett-Packard’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Meg Whiteman is one of the proud women of the Fortune 500 business executives in the world with untold success stories in her career.

She graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Business School, after which she served as vice president of strategic planning in the Walt Disney Company throughout the '80s. Among other positions held in the '90s was CEO of E bay from 1998 to 2008. She oversaw an expansion of 30 employees and $4 million in annual revenue to over 15,000 employees and $8 billion in annual revenue during her tenure in office, using innovative business strategies. In February 2009, Meg announced her candidacy for California's governor, becoming the third woman in 20 years to run for office. She was born on August 4, 1956.

What Mary Barra and Meg teach us

Undoubtedly, Mary Barra and Margaret Whiteman are living testimonies of our time who led businesses with service and humility. They have proven that the power to succeed solely lies in the hands of individuals who do not question their existence and are ready to prove that life is worth living. In a world that sometimes drags us into doubt for excellence, Mary Barra and Margaret Whiteman continue to be generational role models in business success.

Nii Ashalley

Nii Ashalley is the inspirational voice at The Business Frontal. His uplifting quotes, dubbed "Ashalleyistics", have encouraged many entrepreneurs, start-ups and leaders to achieve their maximum potential. He is a seasoned counselor, a life and business coach and an author of many call to action business articles.